Moving out of New York State

What do I need to do with my plates if I move out of New York?

If you want to register your vehicle in another state, you must surrender your vehicle registration and plates to the New York DMV.

Is out-of-state insurance acceptable for a vehicle registered in New York?

No. If your vehicle is registered in New York State, you must have New York insurance coverage. We will never accept out-of-state insurance coverage of any type for a vehicle registered in New York.

Can I obtain out-of-state insurance and keep my vehicle registered in New York?

No. If you replace your New York State insurance coverage with out-of-state insurance, your valid insurance coverage will lapse. We will suspend your registration and may suspend your driver license.

We will take actions against your New York State registration and driver license even if you move out of New York. This can affect your ability to have a driver license in your new state. If you register your vehicle in another state, immediately surrender your vehicle plates to the DMV.

You must surrender your vehicle registration and plates to the DMV before the New York State liability insurance is cancelled.

If you register your vehicle in another state and surrender the New York vehicle plates to the New York DMV, you can get insurance in the other state. Your insurance must meet the requirements of the state where your vehicle is registered.

I registered my vehicle out of state, and then I received a letter from the DMV about a lapse of insurance on the vehicle. What can I do?

Please send us a copy of your out of state registration in your name along with a copy of your out of state insurance (if available) to:

All proof must include the name and address of the registrant, and the year, make and vehicle identification number (VIN) of the vehicle. We will apply your proof to the NY record to reduce or clear a lapse of insurance coverage reported by your insurance company.